Out of the Mojave and Into the Twilight Zone: Hiking the Desert Trail

[Backpacking Light]

A narrative of Drew Smith’s spring hike on the Desert Trail, and what it was like to re-enter American society at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

• Out of the Mojave and Into the Twilight Zone: Hiking the Desert Trail

[Rob b]

Great Read. Thank you

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Drew, Thanks for this photo journey and introducing the Mojave to others. Beautiful. I live in Henderson, NV and have hiked and backpacked the Mojave Desert in this area for years.

I have a Moment DW and using it fly-only for the desert is smart. I now also have a Notch Li so I’d likely take it with the inner tent since it’s so light and easily ventilated.

I celebrate your COORS Tall Boy beers. I hiked the Grand Canyon North Rim to South Rim 3 years ago at age 74 and literally the BEST beer I’ve ever had was the IPA I bought at Phantom Ranch. It SO hit the spot.

BTW, thanks for the gear list.

[todd]

Thank you Drew.

For just a little while, you took me away from my Covid world and I was able to enjoy the scenery, the wind, and the rain.

What a wonderful break!

[Buck Nelson]

Nice story, write-up and photos. Too bad Covid ended your hike early.

I think this is a wonderful hike for certain type of long distance hiker. One small addition, the Desert Trail officially runs all the way to Canada.

[Author]

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